Universal Creative recently took to its social media accounts to announced that The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man had received this year’s Thea Award for Best Classic Attraction, an honor to be bestowed on an attraction after its successful (and ongoing!) 25 year run at Islands of Adventure.
The Themed Entertainment Association (Thea) announced the winners of its 2024 awards late November, naming The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man as a recipient of its Classic Award, in recognition of its outstanding performance and innovative tech that’s withstood the test of time. Having opened in 1999, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was a trailblazer of themed attractions, as the first ever ride to combine motion vehicles, 3D film, and live action such as moving set pieces and pyrotechnics.
Not the first at Islands of Adventure, not the first Universal attraction – the first ever! That’s an incredible (or, you might even say ‘amazing’!) distinction among themed attractions.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man saw a major overhaul in 2011, with all of its video components being remastered. In addition to better computer graphics and upgraded digital projectors to enhance the 3D portions of the ride, Doc Ock also got a makeover – which, really, when you consider the getup he wore in the original release of the ride, makes the whole refurbishment worth it.
And with twenty-five different projectors used throughout the ride, that’s no small feat! Making Doc Ock look good took a lot of work!
But ultimately, the work paid off, with Universal Creative citing the special effects that the ride is known for as the reason why it was awarded the 2024 Thea Award.
“The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® at Universal Islands of Adventure has been thrilling guests since 1999 with its 3D visuals, immersive sets, and multisensory effects,” Universal Creative posted across their social media accounts, “This iconic ride just won the 2024 Classic Thea Award, proving it still stands the test of time after 25 years!”
Check out their official Instagram post [here] and join the conversation!
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was a groundbreaking attraction when it opened in 1999 and continues to delight guests with fast-paced action that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into the pages of a Spider-Man comic! When the ride debuted along with the opening of Islands of Adventure before the turn of the century, Universal Creative developed brand-new technology to bring the most immersive experience possible to guests.
From the innovation of the “SCOOP” ride vehicles, which can spin 360 degrees in just two seconds and have a full range of motion thanks to the six-dock motion base, to the development of “squinching”, which allows animators to make the 3D film look realistic even while the ride vehicle moves, Universal Creative has always been at the forefront of themed entertainment development, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was a ride that paved the way for modern attractions. From Transformers: The Ride-3D to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to new, yet unseen attractions opening in Epic Universe next year, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was the impetus for the advancement of 3D technology and the stunning sense of immersion that modern-day simulator rides have.
So remember to thank your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man the next time you’re transported into a world of fantasy at your favorite theme park! With motion-based simulators becoming more and more popular, and even integrating simulated and screen-based entertainment into physical rides and attractions, the innovation that was born with The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man can still be felt throughout the themed entertainment industry today, more than earning this ride the Thea Classic award.
